Taking the torch to spread the word about the Peter Max inspired 1972 Topps Baseball set...count down style.

Monday, March 27, 2017

#358 Sparky Anderson....

Seemingly came out of
nowhere to helm the first edition of the big Red Machine...Start of long
standing relationship with the Queen City.... then up north up I-75 to the
Motor City....MLB managing career spanned 26 season winning record in both towns....As
a player, unusual....one year for Phillies appearing in all but two games...hit
.218 sent to AAA and never called up again....spent remaining playing years a
fixture in the AAA Toronto Maple Leafs...asked to manage 1964...even though he
won, concerns were expressed over his temper and let go, found himself
scrambling for skipper positions....enter St Louis farm system; Sparky learns temperament
...came in handy for the coaching the first year Padres 1969....for 1970 was hired by
the Angels, as a coach;for a few days
when the Reds came a knocking with the top spot....Legendary run; took the Reds to two WS wins
and five post season contests....Controversial front office move was let go after
1978 season two seasons removed from one of the most domineering WS wins ever....picked up by Detroit 56 games into the 1979 season...only one
post season appearance in Tiger town but made the most of it; rolled up the
competition and Padres in the World Series....managed to the 1995
season....passed away 2010...known as a nice man, jovial and friendly despite a sometimes aloof appearance.